Shelf and bracket assembly

ABSTRACT

A shelf and bracket item holder where the item holder is supported upon a planar panel. The shelf has two end edges and two shelf-brackets which include a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for receiving one of the end edges of the shelf, and an upper panel catch and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side of the circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one another. A cantilevered lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to the lower panel-catch so as to project from an end of the circumferential flange toward the lower panel-catch. When each of the upper and lower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a corresponding one of the perforations in the panel such that each of the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches engages the outer surface of the perforated panel thereby deflecting the lock-release latches away from the perforated panel, the shelf and brackets are moved relative to the perforated panel. This movement causes the lock-tabs to engage the rear surface of the perforated panel and the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches to slide along the front surface and slip into the respective perforations occupied by the lower panel catches. This, in turn, allows the lock-release latches to spring-back and the lock-release tabs to enter the perforations occupied by their respective lower panel catches so as to secure the bracket in locked engagement with the perforated panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage and organizational systems anddevices, and more particularly to storage and organizational systems anddevices for storing home and garden tools or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern American suburbia, the garage has become the storagereceptacle for a myriad of items that are necessary for work andrecreation. The need for this storage space has become so acute thatmany suburban dwellings contain a 3-car garage even though the occupantsown only two vehicles. Although, in many instances a recreationalvehicle or boat occupies the third bay; in most cases, that extra spaceis utilized for storage and as a work area. Items such as sportsequipment, gardening implements, and work shop related items, e.g.,screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, hand and power tools, and otherimplements for home, vehicle, or garden repair and maintenance aregenerally stored in the garage.

There are a number of systems for storing relatively small andlightweight articles known in the art. For example, pegboard orperforated panel systems are known for hanging articles in a vertical orhorizontal orientation using pegboard hooks that are removably attachedto a perforated panel. Shelving may also be provided on pegboards usingthe same or similar structures for securing and supporting the shelf tothe pegboard. Prior art perforated panel systems (known as “pegboards”)typically comprise a pressed composite board material with regularlyspaced circular perforations into which hooks may be inserted for thestorage or display of tools, instruments, and other articles. Changingthe locations of the stored articles requires that the hooks orshelf-supports be removed completely from their respective supportingholes in the pegboard, and then reinserted into other holes. After aperiod of use, the holes tend to become worn and enlarged, andeventually become unable to retain the hooks. Also, the hooks are easilymisplaced or lost. These pegboard systems are also aestheticallyunattractive, especially after many years of use.

A wide variety of useful fasteners for holding items to walls are alsowell known in the art. When attaching items to a perforated wall orpegboard, however, the available fasteners are much fewer in number, andthose that are available have many severe drawbacks. Those who usepegboards are also familiar with the frustration and irritationassociated with an insecure hook. Such fasteners often pull off thepegboard and get lost or damaged, especially when only one or two itemsare held. The typical pegboard fastener is a straight single or doublebar, usually extending from about two inches to about six inches fromthe pegboard. A pegboard fastener of this type usually has a pair ofbent rod-like offset hooked portions at its top. These offset hookedportions are inserted into horizontally adjacent holes, by a pivotingaction, to situate the top tip of the hooked portions behind thewallboard while allowing the lower part of the fastener to rest againstthe front surface of the wallboard.

While the use of a pair of hooked portions may inhibit rotation of thepegboard fastener, it does not avoid the frustration experienced whenthe pegboard fastener itself is pulled off the pegboard along with theitem being removed. Those who encounter such fasteners or holders forhanging items experience frustration and irritation when attempting toremove the item from the fastener, since the bottom portion of thefastener is easily pulled away from the wall surface, i.e., there is noprovision for fixing it to the pegboard.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a storage system whichallowed ease of accessibility to tools, such as gardening implements,while maximizing the use of garage space, in an aesthetically satisfyingmanner. It would also be advantageous to have a storage system thatcould be mounted directly to the walls of a typical garage or tool shed,thereby allowing effective use of available space while removing sportsequipment, gardening implements, and work shop related items from thefloor space of the garage or a tool shed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a shelf and bracket assembly isprovided that is to be supported upon a planar panel having a frontsurface, a rear surface, and a plurality of regularly shaped and spacedperforations. The shelf has two end edges and the two shelf-bracketseach include a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacleportion for receiving one of the end edges of the shelf, and an upperpanel catch and a lower panel catch that project outwardly from a sameside of the circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to oneanother. Each of the upper panel-catch and the lower panel-catch: (i)have a lock-tab projecting toward an outer surface of thecircumferential flange, and (ii) are sized so as to be received withinone of the plurality of regularly shaped and spaced perforations. Alock-release latch is positioned adjacent to the lower panel-catch so asto project from an end of the circumferential flange toward the lowerpanel-catch. Each lock-release latch comprises a cantilevered beamincluding a lock-release tab positioned at a free end. When each of theupper and lower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy acorresponding one of the perforations in the panel, such that each ofthe lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches engages the outersurface of the perforated panel thereby deflecting the lock-releaselatches away from the perforated panel, the shelf and brackets are movedrelative to the perforated panel. This movement causes the lock-tabs toengage the rear surface of the perforated panel and the lock-releasetabs of the lock-release latches to slide along the front surface andslip into the respective perforations occupied by the lower panelcatches. This, in turn, allows the lock-release latches to spring-backand the lock-release tabs to enter the perforations occupied by theirrespective lower panel catches so as to secure the'bracket in lockedengagement with the perforated panel.

In another embodiment of the invention, a storage system is provided ofthe type including a planar panel having a plurality of regularly spacedperforations that are adapted to receive fasteners for holding items onthe panel. A shelf having two end edges and being supported upon theperforated panel by two shelf-brackets is provided wherein each of theshelf-brackets comprises a substantially circumferential flange formingan outer surface, a receptacle portion for receiving one of the endedges of the shelf, and an upper panel catch and a lower panel catchprojecting outwardly from a same side of the circumferential flange inaligned spaced relation to one another. Each of the upper panel-catchand the lower panel-catch have a lock-tab projecting toward the outersurface. A lock-release latch is also included that comprises acantilevered beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free end.The lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to at least one of theupper panel-catch and the lower panel-catch so as to project from an endof the substantially circumferential flange toward at least one of theupper panel-catch and the lower panel-catch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are tobe considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein likenumbers refer to like parts and further wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage system formed in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a further embodiment of the storage system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another variation of the storage system shown in FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 4 is a broken-away, perspective view of a perforated panel and itemholder formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a novel item holder formed in accordancethe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shelf-bracket system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shelf used in connection with theshelf-bracket of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the shelf shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the shelf and bracket shown in FIG. 5, asassembled to a perforated panel of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a novel hook adapted for mounting on a perforated panel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two hooks being inserted into a portionof a perforated panel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partially broken-away, perspective view of a shelf andshelf-bracket system assembled in accordance with the present invention,and having a hook and container assembled to an interior structure;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the shelf, bracket, and hook assembly shown inFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in FIG. 4, havinga plurality of containers assembled to its underside;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the containers shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an end view of the shelf, self-bracket and container assemblyshown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in FIG. 4, havinga roll of material supported under the shelf and by the twoshelf-brackets;

FIG. 18 is a support rod used to support a roll of material as shown inFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of the rod and rollshown in FIG. 17, with the shelf and brackets removed for clarity ofillustration;

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the item holder shown in FIG. 4, andhaving a tool holder formed within the shelf;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tool holder of the type shown in FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder, as taken alonglines 22—22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder similar to FIG. 22,having a tool mounted within the tool holder;

FIG. 24 is a post bracket that may be mounted to a perforated panelformed in accordance with the present invention by use of the lockbutton shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 25 is a receptacle support bracket;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a lock-button used in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a receptacle support bracket as shownin FIG. 25, supporting a plurality of open faced receptacles;

FIG. 28 is an angle shelf formed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are an item support and item receptacle,respectively, both formed so as to be mounted to the face of aperforated panel, as shown in FIGS. 1-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description of this invention. The drawingfigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of theinvention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematicform in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description,relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and“bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,”“downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to theorientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure underdiscussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description andnormally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Termsincluding “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral”and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relativeto an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, asappropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, suchas “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship whereinstructures are secured or attached to one another either directly orindirectly through intervening structures, as Well as both movable orrigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly describedotherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment,coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operateas intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims,means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description ordrawings for performing the recited function, including not onlystructural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a new and improved storage and organizationsystem 5 is provided comprising a perforated panel 8, storage cabinets10, bench 12, drawers 13, and shelves 15. Storage system 5 is modular inconstruction such that various combinations of shelves, drawers, andcabinets may be arranged as needed or dictated by its position within abuilding, e.g., a residential garage, tool shed, or basement area.Storage cabinets 10, bench 12, drawers 13, and shelves 15 are typicallyformed of common furniture construction materials, e.g., various metals,woods, or polymers. Perforated panel 8 comprises a planer sheet ofmaterial, preferably formed of metal, and having a plurality ofregularly shaped perforations 9, disposed in a regular patternthroughout the panel. Perforations 9 are each preferably formed inperforated panel 8 so as to be defined by a circumferential edge, oftenforming a rectangular or square opening in panel 8. Perforated panel 8is typically about one quarter to one half of an inch thick, and inmodules about two to three feet wide. Of course, it will be understoodthat perforated panel 8 may have various lengths and widths, dependingupon the size of storage system 5. Fixtures (not shown) for providingelectric, gas, or pneumatic outlets may also be positioned anywherewithin storage system 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, perforated panel 8 is arranged above bench 12 sothat a plurality of item holders 20 may be positioned on the frontsurface of perforated panel 8. For convenience, in this specification,the term “item holder” will be used to represent a type of fixture thatis attachable to perforated panel 8 by insertion of an element into atleast one of perforations 9 and used to hold various implements, i.e.,hand tools, garden tools, instruments, wires, cables, display objects(such as packages, blister display packs, vacuum display packs, loosehardware or household items, grocery items, department or variety storeitems, and shelves, pictures, wire frames, and the like. In onepreferred embodiment, item holder 20 comprises a shelf 26 held toperforated panel 8, via shelf-brackets 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, shelf-brackets 30 comprise a circumferentialflange 31 having a top surface 32, an outward face 36, a bottom 34, andan inner wall 35. A lower web 38 is positioned between outward face 36,bottom 34, and inner wall 35. Shelf-brackets 30 are preferably formedfrom an injection moldable polymer, but may also be formed from metal orother materials as desired. A plurality of openings 39 are definedthrough lower web 38, often having varying diameters. An upper web 40 ispositioned between top surface 32 and lower web 38. A ledge 44 projectsoutwardly in circumferential surrounding relation to upper web 40,thereby separating upper web 40 from lower web 38 and forming areceptacle portion for receiving an end edge of shelf 26. A plurality ofholes 46 are defined through upper web 40. An upper panel-catch 48 and alower panel-catch 49 project outwardly from the outer surface of innerwall 35. Each of upper panel-catch 48 and lower panel-catch 49 comprisea substantially “hook” shape having a lock-tab 52 projecting toward theouter surface of inner wall 35.

Adjacent to lower panel-catch 49 is a lock-release latch 50, including alock-release cantilever 54 that projects from an end of inner wall 35. Alock-release tab 56 is positioned at the free end of lock-releasecantilever 54. A recessed wall 58 is positioned in spaced relation tolock-release cantilever 54, so as to provide a recess withinshelf-bracket 30 into which lock-release cantilever 54 may deflect.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, shelf 26 comprises end edges 60, a topsupport surface 63, a nose 65, a panel flange 67, and a pair ofsemi-tubular receptacles 68. More particularly, shelf 26 comprises asubstantially channel shape, and may be formed by extrusion of asuitable metal or polymer, e.g., aluminum or polyvinyl chloride. Topsupport surface 63 separates nose 65 from panel flange 67 such that eachforms a longitudinal edge of shelf 26. Nose 65 and panel flange 67 arearranged in spaced parallel relation to one another. Receptacles 68 arepositioned in spaced relation to the inner surfaces of nose 65 and panelflange 67, and are supported atop stems 70 so as to project inwardly.Each receptacle 68 comprises a semi-tubular cross-section defining alongitudinally extending slot 69. A rear ledge 72 is formed at the lowerextremity of panel flange 67, in spaced relation to top support surface63. A front ledge 74 is formed at the lower extremity of nose 65, and isarranged in end-on, confronting relation to ledge 72.

Referring to FIG. 9, item holder 20 is assembled to perforated panel 8in the following manner. A shelf-bracket 30 is positioned on each end ofshelf 26 so that upper web 40 is disposed in aligned confrontingrelation to an end edge 60 of shelf 26. In this position, face 36 ofeach shelf-bracket 30 extends downwardly from nose 65 of shelf 26. Eachshelf-bracket 30 is then moved toward its respective end edge 60, untilshelf 26 engages upper web 40. In this position, panel ledge 72 andfront ledge 74 are positioned in supporting and engaged relation toledge 44 of shelf-bracket 30. Once assembled, screws (not shown) may beinserted through holes 46 in upper web 40 and into receptacle 68 so asto retain shelf-brackets 30 to shelf 26.

Once item holder 20 is fully assembled, it may be positioned anywhere onperforated panel 8 in the following manner. Each panel-catch 48, 49 ofeach shelf-bracket 30 is positioned in coaxial aligned relation with acorresponding set of four perforations 9 in perforated panel 8. In thisposition, lock-release tab 56 is positioned in confronting relation tothe front surface of perforated panel 8, directly above the perforation9 with which its corresponding lower panel-catch 49 is aligned. Once inthis position, item holder 20 is moved toward perforated panel 8 untilupper panel-catches 48 enter, pass through, and occupy their respectiveperforation 9. As this occurs, lower panel-catches 49 enter, passthrough, and occupy their respective perforations 9. At the same time,lock-release tab 56 engages the front surface of perforated panel 8directly adjacent to the perforation 9 that is occupied by lowerpanel-catch 49.

Once in this position, item holder 20 is moved toward perforated panel 8until the outer surface of inner wall 35 engages the outer surface ofperforated panel 8. In this position, panel-catches 48 and 49 are fullyinserted within perforations 9, and lock-release latch 50 is deflectedinwardly, toward recessed wall 58 of shelf-bracket 30. Item holder 20 isthen moved downwardly, so that lock-tabs 52 move across the edge ofperforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9, and into engagement withthe rear surface of perforated panel 8 (as shown in FIG. 9). As thisoccurs, lock-release tab 56 of lock-release latch 50 slides along thefront surface of perforated panel 8, and across the peripheral edge ofperforation 9 into which lower panel-catch 49 has been previouslyinserted. As this occurs, lock-release cantilever 54 is released so asto move outwardly, away from recessed wall 58, such that lock-releasetab 56 slides along the edge of perforated panel 8 that definesperforation 9, so as to secure shelf-bracket 30 in locked engagementwith perforated panel 8. In order to remove item holder 20, it isnecessary only to deflect lock-release cantilever 54 inwardly, towardrecessed wall 58 and move item holder 20 upwardly relative to perforatedpanel 8. In this way, when lock-release tabs 56 disengage from theirrespective perforations 9, both shelf-brackets 30 may be slid outwardly,disengaging lock tabs 52, so that item holder 20 may be pulled from itsposition on perforated panel 8.

Item holder 20 may be used as a conventional shelf with various itemsbeing placed on top support surface 63. However, items may also be heldbeneath shelf 26, so as to advantageously store additional items.Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a shelf hook 80 comprises a shank 82, asupport arm 84, and a catch 86. More particularly, shank 82 and supportarm 84 form a conventional hook of the type known for hanging tools andother items. Catch 86 comprises an upper cantilevered latch 88, astabilizer tab 90, and a lower cantilevered latch 92. Upper cantileveredlatch 88 and lower cantilevered latch 92 project outwardly from an upperportion of shank 82 and comprise a nose 93, a ramp 94, and a shoulder95. Upper cantilevered latch 88 and lower cantilevered latch 92 have aslightly curved profile defining opposed inner curved surfaces 96 a and96 b, with stabilizer tab 90 projecting outwardly from shank 82 andpositioned between inner surfaces 96 a and 96 b.

Hook 80 may be assembled to any perforation 9 within perforated panel 8,as shown in FIG. 11. More particularly, hook 80 is arranged adjacent toperforated panel 8, such that support arm 84 is directed away from theouter surface of perforated panel 8. In this position, catch 86 isarranged in coaxial aligned relation to a perforation 9. Hook 80 is thenpivoted such that support arm 84 moves away from perforated panel 8,thereby sliding ramp 94 along the upper edge of its respectiveperforation 9, until shoulder 95 slips behind that upper edge. Once inthis position, hook 80 is reversely pivoted such that support arm 84 andshank 82 move toward perforated panel 8. As this occurs, the lower edgeof perforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9 engages ramp 94 oflower cantilevered latch 92 and deflects lower cantilevered latch 92toward upper cantilevered latch 88. As support arm 84 and shank 82 ofhook 80 continue their movement toward perforated panel 8, shoulder 95of lower cantilevered latch 92 slips past the lower edge of perforatedpanel 8 that defines perforation 9, thus releasing lower cantileveredlatch 92 to spring back to its original position, and thereby lockinghook 80 to perforated panel 8. In order to remove hook 80 fromperforated panel 8, it is only necessary to pivot hook 80 outwardlyabout catch 86 until shoulder 95 of lower cantilevered latch 92 slipspast the lower edge of perforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9, soas to deflect lower cantilevered latch 92 and thereby release hook 80.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, hook 80 may also be assembled toreceptacle 68 within nose 65 or panel flange 67 in the following manner.Catch 86 is positioned so that stabilizer tab 90 is positioned inconfronting relation to slot 69 of receptacle 68. Once in this position,hook 80 is moved toward receptacle 68 so that each nose 93 of upper andlower cantilevered latches 88,92 engage receptacle 68. As this occurs,upper and lower cantilevered latches 88,92 deflect away from one anothersuch that receptacle 68 slips between them and into engagement withinner curved surfaces 96 a, 96 b. In this position, stabilizer tab 90 ispositioned within slot 69 of receptacle 68. Hook 80 is then free toslide along receptacle 68 to any desired position.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 14, 15, and 16, a container 100 may also bepositioned on the underside of Item holder 20. More particularly,container 100 comprises an open-ended receptacle having a frontcantilevered latch 105 a and a rear cantilevered latch 105 b. Eachcantilevered latch 105 a, 105 b comprises a shoulder 106, and a pair ofspaced apart cam ears 107. Each cam ear 107 also includes a front ramp108. Adjacent to each cam ear 107, on container 100 are upwardlyprojecting stops 109. In order to assemble container 100 to item holder20, container 100 is positioned below shelf 26 such that cantileveredlatches 105 a, 105 b are disposed in confronting relation to panel ledge72 and front ledge 74 of shelf 26. Once in this position, container 100is moved toward the underside of shelf 26, until each front ramp 108 ofeach cam ear 107 engages and slides along the edge of its respectivepanel ledge 72 and front ledge 74. As this occurs, cantilevered latches105 a, 105 b deflect inwardly until cam ear 107 clears its respectivepanel ledge 72 or front ledge 74. Once in this position, cantileveredlatches 105 a, 105 b spring outwardly, such that shoulders 106 slip overpanel ledge 72 and front ledge 74, respectively, to latch container 100in place under shelf 26. Stops 109 are positioned on container 100 so asto slip between top edge 110 of the container and panel ledge 72 andfront ledge. 74 to help stabilize container 100 when it is attached toshelf 26. In order to remove container 100, one of cantilevered latches105 a, 105 b is depressed inwardly so as to release shoulders 106 fromengagement with front ledge 74, thereby releasing container 100.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, a roll of material, e.g., papertowels, wrapping paper, plastic wrap, etc., may be suspended betweenshelf-brackets 30 and below shelf 26 for convenient access. Moreparticularly, a rod 118 comprises a pair of supports 120 positioned ateach end. Rod 118 is inserted through the roll of material, and supports120 are inserted into support openings 39 within lower web 38 of eachshelf-bracket 30.

Item holder 20 may also comprise a shelf 126 including a hand toolholder 130 that supports hand tools, e.g., screwdrivers, nutdrivers,awls, pliers, hand socket wrenches, etc., in an upright, verticalorientation, so as to improve the esthetics and accessability of thetools. (FIGS. 20-23). More particularly, tool holder 130 is positionedwithin shelf 126, and comprises a top 132, a bottom 134, and a pluralityof tubes 138 that are positioned between top 132 and bottom 134. A pairof tool support finger flanges 140 are positioned in top 132 and bottom134, and within each tube 138. Each finger flange 140 comprises aplurality of resilient fingers 141 directed radially inwardly toward thecentral axis of tube 138. In this way, when a tool, e.g., screwdriver129 in FIGS. 4 and 23, is inserted through tool holder 130, its shaft isheld between fingers 141 so that it does not wobble or flop over, and isreadily accessible. Numerous holders 130 may be positioned within shelf126, as needed. Moreover, shelf 126 is assembled to shelf-brackets 130and perforated panel 8 in the same way that shelf 26 is assembled toshelf-brackets 30 and perforated panel 8.

Referring to FIGS. 24-30, alternative item holders may be used inconnection with storage system 5. For example, post bracket 148 orreceptacle bracket 149 may be held in place on perforated panel 8 bylock buttons 150 (FIG. 26). More particularly, lock buttons 150 comprisea rectilinear cam 154, a face plate 156, and a tool receptacle 158. Lockbuttons 150 are sized, shaped, and arranged so that cam 154 may beslidingly received within a perforation 9. More particularly, cam 54 isfirst positioned in coaxial-aligned relation with a correspondinglyshaped perforation 19, positioned within post bracket 148 or receptaclebracket 149. Both lock button 150, post bracket 148 or receptaclebracket 149 are then positioned in engaged relation with perforatedpanel 8, such that perforations 9 and 19 are coaxially aligned. Once inthis position, lock button 150 is inserted through perforations 9 and19, with rectilinear cam 154 oriented so as to correspond with theprofile of perforations 9 and 19. Once inserted through perforations 9and 19, face plate 156 is rotated, clockwise or counter-clockwise, by atool inserted within tool mount 158, such that cam 154 rotates out ofalignment with the edges of perforated panel 8 that define perforations9 and 19.

Post bracket 148 may have a plurality of outwardly projecting posts,hooks, clamps, or a magnetic strip 160 (shown in FIG. 4 in connectionwith shelf 26) for hanging various tools or materials, as needed.Likewise, such means for hanging tools may also be combined with shelves26 or 126, as desired. Receptacle bracket 149 includes a hook 162 thatis adapted to engage a corresponding hook on an open faced receptacle168, that may be hung from receptacle bracket 148. Likewise, an angledshelf 170 may be assembled to perforated panel 8 via lock buttons 150 ina similar manner (FIG. 28).

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, other item holders can be used inconnection with storage system 5, such as dual hook support 180, orbasket 182. More particularly, dual hook support 180 comprises a pair ofhooks 184 that project outwardly from a back plate 186. A tab latch 187projects downwardly from a bottom portion of back plate 186, and a latchcantilever 188 projects from a top of back plate 186. Dual hook 180 isassembled to perforated panel 8 by first inserting tab latch 187 into aperforation 9 of perforated panel 8. Back plate 186 is then pivotedabout tab latch 187 until cantilever latch 188 is deflected intoengagement with a corresponding perforation 9 in perforated panel 8.

Basket 182 is formed from a resilient polymer, and comprises a curvedshell 183 having lower support tabs 190 projecting downwardly from abottom surface and latch ears 192 projecting outwardly from the uppercorn er portions. To assemble basket 182 to perforated panel 8, latchears 192 are deflected inwardly by pressing on the side walls of basket182, while tabs 190 are inserted into respective holes 9. Basket 182 isthen pivoted on tabs 190 until latch ears 192 are received withincorresponding perforations 9. Once latch ears 192 are inserted withinperforations 9, basket 182 is released, allowing latch ears 192 tospring outwardly into engagement with perforated panel 8.

It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limitedonly to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in thedrawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within thescope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf and bracket assembly to be supported upona panel having a plurality of spaced perforations, the assemblycomprising: a shelf having two end edges; and two shelf-brackets eachincluding; a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portionfor receiving one of said end edges of said shelf, an upper panel-catchand a lower panel-catch projecting outwardly from a side of saidcircumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one another, eachof said upper panel-catch and said lower panel-catch (i) having alock-tab projecting toward an outer surface of said circumferentialflange, and (ii) being sized so as to be received within one of saidplurality of spaced perforations; and a lock-release latch comprising acantilevered beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free endthereof, and adjacent to said lower panel-catch.
 2. A shelf and bracketassembly according to claim 1 wherein each of said shelf-bracketsincludes a first web that is bounded by said circumferential flange anda second web that is bounded by said circumferential flange and a ledgepositioned between said first web and said second web thereby separatingsaid second web from said first web and thereby forming said receptacleportion.
 3. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 1 whereinsaid upper panel-catch and said lower panel catch project outwardly froman outer surface of said circumferential flange and comprise asubstantially hook shape having said lock-tab projecting from a free endthereof.
 4. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 1 whereinsaid lock-release latch is disposed adjacent to said lower panel-catchand said substantially circumferential flange comprises a recessed wallthat is positioned in spaced relation to said lock-release latch so asto provide a recess within said substantially circumferential flangeinto which said lock-release latch deflects.
 5. A shelf and bracketassembly according to claim 1 wherein said shelf comprises asubstantially channel shape including a top support surface, a nosepositioned along one longitudinal edge, a panel flange positioned alonganother longitudinal edge in spaced parallel relation to said nose, anda pair of semi-tubular receptacles supported within said nose and saidpanel flange.
 6. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 5wherein said receptacles comprise an inwardly directed slot and arepositioned in spaced relation to the inner surfaces of said nose andsaid panel flange, and project inwardly, toward one another.
 7. A shelfand bracket assembly according to claim 5 wherein a first ledge isformed at a lower extremity of said panel flange and disposed in spacedrelation to said top surface and a second ledge is formed at a lowerextremity of said nose and is arranged in end-on, confronting relationto said first ledge.
 8. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim5 further comprising a shelf hook having a shank, a support arm, and acatch including an upper cantilevered latch, a lower cantilevered latch,and a stabilizer tab positioned therebetween wherein said stabilizertab, said upper cantilevered latch and said lower cantilevered latchproject outwardly from an upper portion of said shank so as to engageone of said semi-tubular receptacles.
 9. A shelf and bracket assemblyaccording to claim 8 wherein each of said upper cantilevered latch andsaid lower cantilevered latch includes a ramp surface and a shoulder andhas curved profile that is complementary to said semi-tubularreceptacles defining opposed inner curved surfaces with said stabilizertab projecting outwardly from said shank and positioned between saidinner curved surfaces.
 10. A shelf and bracket assembly according toclaim 8 wherein said shelf hook, said upper cantilevered latch and saidlower cantilevered latch are disposed within a perforation in saidpanel.
 11. A shelf and bracket assembly comprising: a planar panelhaving a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of perforations;a shelf having two end edges; and two shelf-brackets each including; asubstantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for receivingone of said end edges of said shelf, an upper panel catch and a lowerpanel catch projecting outwardly from a side of said circumferentialflange in aligned spaced relation to one another, each of said upperpanel-catch and said lower panel-catch having (i) a lock-tab projectingtoward an outer surface of said circumferential flange and (ii) beingsized so as to be received within one of said plurality of spacedperforations; and a lock-release latch comprising a cantilevered beamincluding a lock-release tab positioned at a free end thereof, andadjacent to said lower panel-catch; whereby when each of said upper andlower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a corresponding oneof said perforations such that each of said lock-release tabs of saidlock-release latches engages an outer surface of said perforated panelthereby deflecting said lock-release latches away from said perforatedpanel, said shelf and brackets are moved relative to said perforatedpanel causing said lock-tabs to engage said rear surface of saidperforated panel and said lock-release tabs of said lock-release latchesto slide along said front surface and slip into the respectiveperforations occupied by said lower panel catches thereby allowing saidlock-release latches to spring-back and said lock-release tabs to enterthe perforations occupied by their respective lower panel catches so asto secure said bracket in locked engagement with said perforated panel.12. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 11 wherein saidshelf comprises a substantially channel shape including a top supportsurface, a nose positioned along one longitudinal edge, a panel flangepositioned along another longitudinal edge in spaced parallel relationto said nose, a first ledge formed at a lower extremity of said panelflange and disposed in spaced relation to said top support surface and asecond ledge formed at a lower extremity of said nose and arranged inend-on, confronting relation to said first ledge; and an open-endedreceptacle releasably engaged with said shelf, said open-endedreceptacle having a front cantilevered latch and a rear cantileveredlatch formed adjacent to an open end wherein each cantilevered latchcomprises a shoulder-catch and a pair of spaced apart cam ears eachincluding a front ramp, whereby said open-ended receptacle is releasablyassembled to said shelf by engagement of said shoulder-catches with saidfirst and second ledges of said shelf.
 13. A shelf and bracket assemblyaccording to claim 11 wherein said shelf-brackets each comprise at leastone web positioned within said circumferential flange and defining atleast one through-hole; and a roll of material suspended between saidshelf-brackets and below said shelf from a rod having two ends, whereineach of said two ends is positioned within said at least onethrough-hole in said web and thereby supported by each shelf-bracket.14. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 11 wherein saidshelf includes a hand tool holder that is positioned within said shelf,and comprises a top, a bottom, and a plurality of tubes that arepositioned between said top and said bottom, wherein each of said tubesfurther includes a pair of tool support finger flanges having aplurality of resilient fingers directed radially inwardly toward acentral axis of said tube and adapted to receive and support a shaft ofa hand tool.
 15. In a storage system of the type including a planarpanel having a plurality of spaced perforations that are adapted toreceive fasteners for holding items on said panel, the improvementcomprising: a shelf having two end edges and being supported upon saidperforated panel by two shelf-brackets wherein each of saidshelf-brackets comprises; (i) a substantially circumferential flangeforming an outer surface, (ii) a receptacle portion for receiving one ofsaid end edges of said shelf, (iii) an upper panel catch and a lowerpanel catch projecting outwardly from a side of said circumferentialflange in aligned spaced relation to one another, each of said upperpanel-catch and said lower panel-catch having a lock-tab projectingtoward said outer surface; and (iv) a lock-release latch comprising acantilevered beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free endthereof, and being positioned adjacent to at least one of said upperpanel-catch and said lower panel-catch.
 16. A storage system accordingto claim 15 wherein said storage system further comprises a brackethaving at least one rectilinear through-hole and that is releasably heldin place on said panel by at least one lock button wherein said lockbutton comprises a rectilinear cam and a face plate so that said lockbutton may be arranged such that said rectilinear cam is positionedthrough said through-hole in said bracket and a correspondingperforation in said panel in aligned relation, with said face platepositioned on a first side of said bracket and said rectilinear campositioned on a rear side of said panel such that when said lock buttonis rotated relative to said bracket, said rectilinear cam is moved outof alignment with said perforation thereby releasably locking saidbracket to said panel.
 17. A storage system according to claim 15further including a dual hook support comprising a pair of hooks thatproject outwardly from a back plate and having a tab latch that projectsdownwardly from a bottom portion of said back plate and a latchcantilever that projects from a top portion of said back plate such thatsaid dual hook is assembled to said panel by first inserting said tablatch into a perforation then pivoting said back plate about said tablatch until said cantilever latch is deflected into engagement with acorresponding perforation in said panel.
 18. A storage system accordingto claim 15 further including a basket formed from a resilient polymerand comprising a curved shell having at least two lower support tabsprojecting downwardly from a bottom surface and at least two latch earsprojecting outwardly from the upper corner portions of said shell sothat said basket is assembled to said panel by deflecting said latchears inwardly while said at least two lower support tabs are insertedinto respective perforations in said panel such that said basket may bepivoted on said tabs until said latch ears are received withincorresponding perforations.